Police said Kenitra Peterson was speeding in her Hyundai Sonata on Clanton Road when she rear-ended the Dodge Nitro in which Lawrence was a passenger. Investigators said that after the collision, both vehicles traveled through a red light and went into the intersection.

Lawrence’s vehicle then struck the side of a third SUV. Both vehicles entered the light rail tracks and overturned, police said.

Peterson’s two young children were seriously injured in the crash. Her 10-year-old daughter
and 5-year-old-son are being treated at Carolinas Medical Center, according to officials. Her son’s injuries are life-threatening, police said.

Police said alcohol was not a contributing factor in the crash, but that speed and reckless driving were. Charges against Peterson are pending, police said.